A Cuban woman shared her distressing experience on social media when her mother had to appear before an immigration court in the United States under the I-220A process. "Today, on the 23rd, my mom had her court date with I-220A, and thank God and everything else, she came back home with us," she conveyed in an emotional video posted on TikTok, showing her mother leaving the courthouse with a smile.
She further explained in the comments that the hearing took place in Miramar, north of Miami-Dade County, marking the first time her mother had to appear in court after five years in the country. "She's been here for five years; it was her first court date. Always working, no incidents, filing taxes. But, I tell you, you just have to have a lot of faith and pray every day to God that everything will turn out well," the young woman expressed, highlighting the mix of faith, uncertainty, and relief experienced by many Cuban migrants facing these legal processes.
The I-220A form is a parole order issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to certain immigrants awaiting their hearings before an immigration judge. While it does not guarantee a regular immigration status, it allows them to stay temporarily in the country while their case is decided.
The video, met with hundreds of supportive and compassionate messages, underscores the harsh reality faced by many Cuban families in the United States. These families endure prolonged and uncertain legal processes, yet they hold onto the hope for a better life away from the authoritarian regime and poverty of the island.
The I-220A Process and Its Impact on Cuban Migrants
What is the I-220A form?
The I-220A form is a parole order provided by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to certain immigrants, allowing them to remain in the United States temporarily while awaiting their immigration court hearings.
Why was the Cuban woman's mother facing a court date?
The Cuban woman's mother was facing a court date as part of the legal process associated with the I-220A form, which requires individuals to appear before an immigration judge to determine their status.
How did the community respond to the video shared on TikTok?
The video shared on TikTok was met with an outpouring of support and solidarity from the community, reflecting the shared experiences and challenges faced by many Cuban families navigating the immigration system in the United States.